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Zesty Lemon Garlic Orzo

Zesty Lemon Garlic Orzo: A Bright and Fresh Dinner Delight

Zesty Lemon Garlic Orzo brings a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and healthy dinner option.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta substitute with any short pasta if unavailable
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice fresh lemon is ideal, bottled can work in a pinch
For the Veggies
  • 1 medium Zucchini substitute with yellow squash or green beans
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper consider asparagus or peas for a different twist
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil substitute with avocado oil if needed
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh minced garlic is preferable, garlic powder can be used in a pinch
For Garnishing
  • 1 handful Fresh Basil Leaves can be replaced with parsley or cilantro

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Zesty Lemon Garlic Orzo
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the sliced zucchini and bell pepper to the skillet with the sautéed garlic, stirring well. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until tender and vibrant.
  4. Fold in the drained orzo to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture, and season with salt and pepper. Stir for 1-2 minutes until well combined.
  5. Remove from heat and transfer the Zesty Lemon Garlic Orzo to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and enjoy warm or chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Watch the garlic to prevent burning, taste and adjust seasoning, and feel free to swap in seasonal veggies. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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